Jason UniverseHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThere were a few less scares than I wanted, but a couple jumps really got me, and the bow and arrow scene was worth the price of admission alone!
TerrifierHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThis was my favorite house this year, which really surprised me because I’m not a massive fan of Terrifier. It was less scary than I thought it would be, but a lot more fun! Each scene was super distinct and memorable, and the attention to detail was immaculate! I always love some good gross-out horror when it’s done with a slightly comedic tone. All of the Arts also really sold their performances.
Mary - The Haunting of Worth HomeKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeVery scary, and felt like it went on forever! I was definitely eager to get out of this one because I was so unnerved!
Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin AmericaHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThe scariest haunt at the event, but that’s not really a surprise. I was a bit disappointed that all of the La Llorona scenes were completely reused from 2022. I think it’s time we move on from Monstruos.
The ZooKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeThe flashlight gimmick is so cool! It was terrifying to have to manually discover everything that’s in the room with me. I loved pointing up my flashlight and finding a creature right in my face! Keep innovating, Knotts!
ScarecrowHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseScarecrow was my favorite maze in 2022. I wish they’d changed it up at least a little, but I was still happy to see it again. The crows didn’t shit on me in that one room this year like they did last time. Either the water wasn’t working, or they got rid of the effect. I hope it’s not the latter because it was one of the most entertaining rooms in the house.
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse - CLOSEDHalloween Horror NightsHauntHayrideThe Terror Tram is always fun, but I don’t love that they did Blumhouse two years in a row. Please don’t have this be a new trend. Give us something new.
Five Nights at Freddy'sHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseNot scary in the slightest, but great attention to detail. I was laughing the whole way through, and I’m typically easily startled.
The Horrors of the Wyatt SicksHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseI had no clue what was going on, but I still really enjoyed it. The swampy aesthetic was really cool, and there were a lot of great scares. It always the best when one of these haunts can still be enjoyed without knowing anything about the source material.
PoltergeistHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseI’m probably biased because I’m a huge fan of the film, but I thought they did a great job capturing all the iconic moments. This haunt stood out this year for being a little more wholesome and a lot less gross than the rest.
FalloutHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThis haunt was a bit disappointing to me. It was kind of forgettable and each scene didn’t really feel like it fit together. I didn’t feel a real sense of progression of the story.
The DogHouseEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLOf the three games at this location, this is my favorite. There’s only two rooms, and one of them is very small, but the main room is jam packed full of puzzles and details. I felt like each component was super creative and memorable. Just come with people who know what they’re doing because some of the puzzles are a bit tricky or time consuming.
Wicked WonderlandEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLA good escape room for newbies. Nothing was too difficult but there were multiple rooms and a lot to do. The atmosphere is well done, especially for an escape room with a stand alone location.
Prison BreakEscape Room 66 - Laguna HillsEscape roomIRLFour is the ideal number because of the separated start. Non-linear, so we stayed paired off even after reuniting. This was the first room they built, so it doesn’t have the detail of the others, but the props are cute and endearing.
Hijinx at Joffre ManorNerdy by Nature Escape RoomsEscape roomIRLPossibly the best use of space I’ve seen in an escape room. I was shocked by how many hidden rooms and passageways there were to find. The Scooby Doo references were very clever, and no detail was spared. There’s a lot to do, so I would recommend at least four players.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du GrotesqueKnott’s Scary FarmHauntOther Genuinely the scariest thing at Knotts. The carnival stunts stressed me out to no end!
7 Deadly SinsEscapology - Universal CityEscape roomIRLI still had fun, and it’s not a bad idea if you’re spending time in City Walk, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for this one. The atmosphere was well done, but the room was relatively small, so I wouldn’t do this one with more than four. Some of the puzzles were pretty obscure in their solutions, but when we’d ask for a little nudge, we’d be given the entire solution.
Conjurers - CLOSEDKnott’s Scary FarmHauntOther As usual, Knotts impresses with every event at Scary Farm. Definitely a unique and must-see show!
Escape Operation: End Of DaysMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLI’m not usually a fan of bunker themes, but this one was very well executed. This is not a horror room, but be aware that it does start off very dark. There are no classic locks, which was very refreshing! This room is definitely doable with two seasoned players.
Mission's Breakout: The Ultimate Bank HeistMission Escape GamesEscape roomIRLRather than just a classic bank heist, I liked that this one had a heavy mafia theme. Some elements seem a little worn but still working fine. We made it through fairly easily with just two of us, but if your group is less experienced, I’d recommend at least three.
